Hockey weight training device

ABSTRACT

The weight training device  10  has removable weights  40, 42, 44, 46  to change the total weight added to the hockey stick  66  to adapt to the skills and capabilities of a player. Pockets  32, 34, 36, 38  are formed in the weight training device  10  to hold the weights  40, 42, 44, 46  along the rectangular sides  75, 77  of the hockey stick  66.  A compressible membrane flap  48  is attached to retain the weights  40, 42, 44, 46  in the pockets  32, 34, 36, 38  and to provide some adhesion to the hockey stick  66  to prevent the device  10  from moving on the hockey stick  66.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] N/A

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] N/A

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING

[0003] N/A

COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

[0004] N/A

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This invention relates to weight training devices for athletesincluding but not limited to hockey players.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Hockey players play on a hard surface usually ice, concrete or ina field. A hockey stick is used to control, shoot and pass a puck in icehockey. The hockey stick is gripped by the player usually with bothhands. The hockey player, by flexing arms and bending wrists moves andcontrols the puck. The strength of the arms is important to the controlof the puck Strong arms and wrists can project the puck off of the stickwith greater velocity making shots harder to stop and passes harder tointercept.

[0007] Strengthening the arms of a hockey layer is traditionally done bypractice or by weight training Practice can be physically exhausting tothe player's body while only providing small increases in arm strength.Weight training is good for overall strength however, the specificmuscles used to control the hockey stick while handling the puck arehard to isolate.

[0008] Hockey players come in all sizes and skill levels. A trainingdevice needs to be able to accommodate different skill levels withminimum difficulty. Adding a weight to the hockey stick would provide aweight training experience focused on the specific muscles used tohandle, pass and shoot a puck

[0009] Attaching weights to the hockey stick may result in damaging theshaft of the hockey stick by the fasteners or the weight itself. Anexample of this method is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,560('560). Theintegrity of the shaft is compromised by the thumbscrew used to tightenagainst the shaft to hold the weight in place.

[0010] Furthermore, the weight needs to change for different skill andstrength levels. As the hockey player develops, more weight is used tocontinue to strengthen the arms. When used for injury recovery, theweight should be minimal and be able to easily be modified to increasethe strengthening effect as the player recovers. The '560 patent andU.S. Pat. No. 3,834,697 both illustrate a single weight added to theshaft. Additional weights are not easily added and the incrementalweight may be too great for some developing hockey players.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can be easilyadded to and removed from a hockey stick shaft, having a capability toass or subtract weights to customize the weight for the hockey player.

SUMMARY

[0012] The invention provides a simple and convenient means forattaching weights to the shaft of a hockey stick while easily changingthe weight in the invention to benefit a specific hockey player.

[0013] A flexible device is formed having one or more pockets and afastening means to attach the device to the hockey stick In thepreferred embodiment, the device is attached at the bottom of the shaftadjacent where the shaft and the blade intersect. The device has aplurality of pockets and a flap of a compressible material to absorbshocks.

[0014] One or more weights are removably disposed in the pockets toprovide a specific amount of weight for the player. A flap is positionedto fold over the open end of the pockets to retain the weights in thepockets. A layer of compressible material is positioned adjacent theshaft and is compressed by the fastening means securing the device tothe hockey players.

[0015] When the player wants to remove the invention to increase theweight, play a game or give it to another player, the fastener is undoneand the invention is easily removed. Additional weights may be addedwhen the invention is not on the s Weights may also be removed and/orreplaced with weights of a different weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a side plane view showing the flap up and weights in thepockets.

[0017]FIG. 2. Is an end view of the invention of FIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 3. Is a side plan view of the invention showing the flap inthe closed position.

[0019]FIG. 4. Is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment.

[0020]FIG. 5. Is a perspective view of the invention mounted on a hockeystick.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the device mounted on the hockeystick.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The following describes a removable weight-training device formounting on a hockey stick or similar athletic implement. The weighttraining device has removable weights to change the total weight addedto the hockey stick to adapt tot the skills and capabilities of theplayer. Pockets are formed in the weight-training device to hold theweights along the rectangular sides of the hockey stick. A compressiblemembrane flap is attached to retain the weights in the pockets and toprovide some adhesion to the hockey stick to prevent the device frommoving on the stick.

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferredembodiment of the removable weight training device 10 comprising aweight carrier 12 having an outer layer 13 comprising a tear proof andwater resistant material. The outer layer 13 comprises a top edge 14 abottom edge 16, a first end 18 and a second end 20. A first fastener 22is attached to the first end 18 and a second fastener 24 is attached tothe second end 20. An inner layer 28 is attached to the outer layer 13with stitching 30. The inner layer 28 is preferably made from a ripresistant material. The stitching 30 extends around the first end 18along the bottom edge 16 and along the second end 20 attaching the innerlayer 28 to the outer layer 13. Additional stitching 30 is extends upfrom the bottom edge 16 to define a plurality of pockets 32, 34, 26, 38.

[0024] The first pocket 32 is defined adjacent the first end 18. Thefirst pocket 32 has a first pocket opening 33 adjacent the top edge 14.The first pocket opening 33 may be formed by an opening 33 in the innerlayer 28 or by the opening between the inner layer top edge 41 and theouter layer 13. A first weight 40 is removably disposed in the firstpocket 32 by inserting the weight in the first pocket opening 33.

[0025] A second pocket 34 is formed intermediate the first pocket 32 andthe second end 20. The second pocket 34 has a second pocket opening 35adjacent the top edge 14. The second pocket opening 35 may be formed byan opening 35 in the inner layer 28 or by an opening between the innerlayer top edge 41 and the outer layer 13. A second weight 42 isremovably disposed in the second pocket 34 by inserting the secondweight 42 in the second pocket opening 35.

[0026] A third pocket 36 is defined intermediate the second pocket 34and the second end 20. The third pocket 36 has a third pocket opening 37adjacent the top edge 14. The third pocket opening 37 may be formed byan opening 37 in the inner layer 28 or by an opening 37 between theinner layer top edge 41 and the outer layer 13. A third weight 44 isremovably disposed in the third pocket 36 by inserting the third weight44 in the third pocket opening 37.

[0027] A fourth pocket 38 is defined intermediate the second pocket 34and the second end 20. The fourth pocket 38 has a fourth pocket opening39 adjacent the top edge 14. The fourth pocket opening 39 may be formedby an opening 39I the inner layer 28 or by an opening between the innerlayer top edge 41 and the outer layer 13. A fourth weight 46 isremovably disposed in the fourth pocket 38 by inserting the fourthweight 46 in the fourth pocket opening 39.

[0028] A flap 48 is attached to the outer layer 13 along the top edge14. The flap 48 is shown in the open position 50 extending from theweight carrier 12. In the preferred embodiment the flap 48 is formedfrom a compressible membrane to cushion the attachment of the weightcarrier 12 to the hockey stick and provide some flexing to allow thefirst and second fasteners 22, 24 to securely hold the weight carrier 12in place. The flap 48 made from a compressible membrane may also providea surface on the hockey stick to resist sliding out of position.

[0029] An end perspective is shown in FIG. 2. The flap 48 is shown inthe open position 50. The second fastener 24 is illustrated as a loopmaterial 52. The fourth weight 46 is put in the fourth pocket 38 byinserting through the fourth pocket opening 39.

[0030] The flap 48 is shown in the closed position 54 in FIG. 3. Theflap 48 retains the weights in the respective pockets. First fastener 22is illustrated as a hook material 56 on the first end. The hook material56 mates with the loop material 52 on the second end 20 to secure theweight carrier 12 in place. The hook material 56 and the loop material52 may be a Velcro® or similar hook and loop fastening material.

[0031] The first fastener 22 is shown as first strap 58 and second strap60 on first end 18 in FIG. 4. The outer layer 13 supports and isattached to the first and second strap 58, 60 by stitching 30. Secondfastener 24 is shown as third strap 62 and fourth strap 64 on outerlayer 13. Third and fourth strap are attached to second end 20 bystitching 30 on outer layer 13.

[0032] The removable weight-training device 10 is shown attached to ahockey stick 66 in FIG. 5 the hockey stick 66 has a shaft 68 and a blade70. The preferred location for attaching the weight carrier 12 is on theshaft 68 adjacent the blade 70. This position does not interfere withthe handling of the puck and provides the advantage of the length of thestick 66 to strengthen the player. The first fastener 22 may beconfigured with a buckle or other fastener mechanism on the first andsecond 58, 60 straps.

[0033] The substantially rectangular cross-section 76 of the shaft 68 isshown in FIG. 6. The stick 68 can be seen to have a first side 75 and asecond side 77 each having a similar first width 80. Likewise, the top76 and bottom 78 of the shaft 68 have a similar second width 82 in thepreferred embodiment the pockets 32, 34, 36, 38 will have a width ofsimilar dimensions with the adjoining edge of the hockey stick shaft 68.For example as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first pocket 32 and the thirdpocket 34 will have a width substantially similar to the second width 82and the second pocket 34 and the fourth pocket 38 will have a widthsubstantially similar to the first width 80.

[0034] The flap 48 made of a compressible membrane is shown in FIG. 6 ascompressed by tightly bringing the first fastener 22 in a matingposition with the second fastener 24.

[0035] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

I claim:
 1. A removable weight training device for use on a hockey stickcomprising a shaft, the weight training device comprising a flexibleweight carrier having a top edge, a first end, a second end, a firstfastener on the first end, a second fastener on the second end, a firstpocket formed on the weight carrier, the first pocket having an open endadjacent the top edge, a first weight removably disposed in the firstpocket, the first end spaced from the second end such that the flexibleweight carrier is wrapped around the shaft and secured to the hockeystick with the first fastener connected to the second fastener.
 2. Theinvention of claim 1 wherein the flexible weight carrier furthercomprises a flap on the top edge whereby the flap is movable to a closedposition over the open end of the pocket.
 3. The invention of claim 1wherein the flexible weight carrier further comprises a compressiblemembrane attached between the first end and the second end.
 4. Theinvention of claim 2 wherein the flap comprises a compressible membrane.5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the first fastener comprises areleasable hook material and the second fastener comprises a loopmaterial for mating with the releasable hook material to secure thefirst end to the second end.
 6. The invention of claim 4 wherein thefirst fastener comprises a releasable hook material and the secondfastener comprises a loop material for mating with the releasable hookmaterial to secure the first end to the second end.
 7. The invention ofclaim 1 wherein the flexible weight carrier comprises an outer layer andan inner layer, the inner layer attached to the outer layer to form thefirst pocket and the open end.
 8. The invention of claim 1 wherein theflexible weight carrier further comprises a second pocket formedintermediate the first pocket and the second end, the second pockethaving an open end adjacent the top edge.
 9. The invention of claim 2wherein the flexible weight carrier further comprises a second pocketformed intermediate the first pocket and the second end, the secondpocket having an open end adjacent the top edge, a second weightremovably disposed in the second pocket.
 10. The invention of claim 9wherein the flexible weight carrier further comprises a third pocketformed intermediate the second pocket and the second end, the thirdpocket having an open end adjacent the top edge, a third weightremovably disposed in the third pocket.
 11. The invention of claim 10wherein the flexible weight carrier further comprises a fourth pocketformed intermediate the third pocket and the second end, the fourthpocket having an open end adjacent the top edge, a fourth weightremovably disposed in the fourth pocket.
 12. A removable weight trainingdevice for use on a hockey stick comprising a shaft, the shaft having asubstantially rectangular cross-sectional shape with a first side, asecond side, a top and a bottom, the first and second side having asubstantially equal first width, the top and the bottom having asubstantially equal second width, , the weight training devicecomprising: a flexible weight carrier having an outer layer, and aninner layer, the outer layer and inner layer attached together to definea top edge, a first end, a second end, stitching attaching the innerlayer to the outer layer to form a first pocket and a second pocketbetween the inner layer and the outer layer, the first pocket having anopen end and a width substantially equal to the first width, the secondpocket having an open end and a width substantially equal to the secondwidth; a first fastener on the first end, a second fastener on thesecond end for releasably attaching to the first fastener; and a firstweight removably disposed in the first pocket a second weight removablydisposed in the second pocket a flap on the flexible weight carrier, theflap movable from an open position to a closed position such that theopen end of the first pocket and the open end of the second pocket areintermediate the flap and the outer layer thereby preventing the firstand second weights from falling out; wherein the flexible weight carrieris wrapped around the shaft having the first pocket positioned adjacentthe first side and the second pocket positioned adjacent the top, thefirst fastener is attached to the second fastener to secure the weightcarrier to the hockey stick.
 13. The invention of claim 12 wherein theflap comprises a compressible membrane attached to the top edge.
 14. Theinvention of claim 13 wherein the flexible weight carrier furthercomprises a third pocket intermediate the second pocket and the secondend, the third pocket formed between the inner layer and the outerlayer, the third pocket having an opening adjacent the top edge, thethird pocket having a width substantially equal to the first width, athird weight removably disposed in the third pocket.
 15. The inventionof claim 14 wherein the flexible weight carrier further comprises afourth pocket intermediate the third pocket and the second end, thefourth pocket formed between the inner layer and the outer layer, thefourth pocket having an opening adjacent the top edge, the fourth pockethaving a width substantially equal to the second width, a fourth weightremovably disposed in the fourth pocket.
 16. The invention of claim 12wherein the first fastener comprises a hook material adjacent the outerlayer, and the second fastener comprises a loop material adjacent theinner layer such that the flexible weight carrier is secured to the tothe hockey stick.
 17. The invention of claim 13 wherein the firstfastener comprises a first strap attached to the outer layer having ahook material thereon and the second fastener comprises a second strapon the outer layer having a loop material thereon, the hook materialadapted for mating with the loop material such that the flexible weightcarrier is secured to the to the hockey stick.
 18. The invention ofclaim 12 wherein the outer layer comprises a waterproof fabric.
 19. Aremovable weight training device for use on a hockey stick comprising ashaft, the shaft having a substantially rectangular cross-section shapewith a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, the first andsecond side having a substantially equal first width, the top and thebottom having a substantially equal second width, the weight trainingdevice comprising: a flexible weight carrier having an outer layerhaving a top edge, a first end, a second end, stitching on the outerlayer, the stitching connected to an inner layer to form a first pocketadjacent the first end, the first pocket having an opening adjacent thetop edge, a first weight removably disposed in the first pocket; asecond pocket intermediate the first pocket and the second end, thesecond pocket having an opening adjacent the top edge, a second weightremovably disposed in the second pocket; a third pocket intermediate thesecond pocket and the second end, the third pocket having an openingadjacent the top edge, a third weight removably disposed in the thirdpocket; a fourth pocket intermediate the third pocket and the secondend, the fourth pocket having an opening adjacent the top edge, a fourthweight removably disposed in the fourth pocket; a flap on the top edge,the flap moveable from an open position to a closed position such thatin the closed position the openings of the first, second, third andfourth pockets are covered by the flap; a first fastener on the firstend, a second fastener on the second end, the second fastener adapted toreleasably attach to the first fastener, and wherein the flexible weightcarrier is wrapped around the shaft having the flap and the inner layeradjacent the hockey stick, the first fastener attached to the secondfastener to removably secure the weight carrier to the hockey stick. 20.The invention of claim 19 wherein the flap comprises a compressiblemembrane material.